While Zion Williamson was betting Duke, his stepfather accepted $400,000 from a marketing agent in exchange for the exclusive rights to represent Williamson, according to a sworn affidavit submitted in a federal court in North Carolina.
The affidavit was filed Thursday by lawyers representing Gina Ford, president of the Florida-based Prime Sports Marketing who is suing Williamson for $100 million for apparently breaching their marketing agreement.
Williamson, an NBA novice with the New Orleans Pelicans, now is represented by Creative Arts Agency.
Williamsons stepfather, Lee Anderson, required the money from a marketing group led by Slavko Duric of Canada in October 2018, the month prior to Dukes season began, according to the affidavit.
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The alleged deal raises questions about whether Williamson was qualified when he played for Duke, which during the 2018-19 season went 32-6 and reached the Elite Eight. Williamson was called National College Player of the Year in his only year at Duke.
The supposed payment later on was defined as a $500,000 loan that Anderson was to pay back due to the fact that the alleged deal for Durics group to represent Williamson fell through.
Proof connected to the sworn affidavit includes a color copy of Williamsons drivers license, a marketing arrangement and a declaration dated Dec. 8, 2019, stating Anderson would repay the $500,000 loan.
Williamsons lawyer, Jeffrey Klein, did not right away react to a request for remark by USA TODAY Sports. Klein has told other news media outlets the alleged contracts and chauffeurs license are fraudulent.
Zion Williamsons stepfather took $400,000 during Duke season, according to affidavit – USA TODAY
